TikToker handed suspended sentence for breaching bail conditions

TikToker Lui Vuibureta, also known as “Xcon,” was handed a suspended sentenced by the Suva Magistrate Court this morning for breaching multiple bail conditions.

Magistrate Lisiate Fotofili imposed an aggregate sentence of two months and 14 days’ imprisonment, which was reduced to one month and 14 days after accounting for time Vuibureta had already spent in remand.

The sentence was suspended for 18 months on the condition that he does not reoffend during this period.

The court heard that Vuibureta breached three bail conditions, including failing to deactivate his social media accounts, failing to surrender his passport, and continuing activity on his accounts while on bail.

In sentencing, Magistrate Fotofili stressed the harmful impact of online behaviour, noting that social media could become “toxic” and have serious consequences for victims.

He said the court was satisfied that Vuibureta breached his bail conditions without reasonable excuse.

Several mitigating factors were considered, including that Vuibureta was a first-time offender, had shown remorse, entered a guilty plea, was unemployed, and had a young family to support.

The magistrate also noted concerns about Vuibureta’s conduct during the investigation, stating that his caution interview indicated he had not been truthful and had misled officers. While described as serious, this was not taken into account in determining the sentence.

The 32-year-old was ordered to maintain good behaviour, with the suspended sentence intended as a deterrent to others.

Vuibureta has 28 days to appeal his sentence.